Marwell Zoo, near Winchester
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.
2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do. The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.
Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.
From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Number of results: 170
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Joyous and inspirational, Ryde Carnival brings a dazzling end to Summer on the Isle of Wight. All are welcome to enjoy the entertaining parades that light up the coastal town with fun, colour and carnival…
Music
Old Portsmouth
Join Sam Garrett for a rare and intimate evening of live music inside the beautiful surroundings of Portsmouth Cathedral.
Sam Garrett is an English singer-songwriter whose music reflects his journey through Eastern philosophy, meditation, yoga and…
Performing Arts
New Forest
This Is My Theatre presents The Great Gatsby on Thursday 13 August 2026.
Step into the roaring 1920s, where the champagne flows, the jazz trumpet blows, and the American Dream gleams with irresistible allure. This electrifying stage adaptation of F…
Festival
Newport
The award winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts.
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Children's Carnival Day on the Isle of Wight Join Ryde Carnival for some free family fun as we celebrate Children's Carnival Day. Lots of activities and entertainment will take place in different locations around Ryde town centre.
Family…
Childrens Events
Farnham
Take play to the next level as over 1,000 metres of channels weave throughout the Park! Watch balls roll, bounce, and skip along the twists and turns, creating a thrilling, interactive spectacle that kids will love to explore and chase.
Walking
Islandwide
Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Smart on Sunday 8 November 2026.
All Smart owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu to park up in the museum grounds, for a day out that owners and enthusiasts will enjoy. The event is set to…
Music
Winchester
Handshake Ltd
The Ultimate Eagles
Handshake Ltd are proud to present the world's premier Eagles show, The Ultimate Eagles.
Having performed to over 1,000,000 people worldwide, The Ultimate Eagles features a cast of internationally acclaimed…
Festival
Porchfield
Three Rivers Festival returns to Durrants Farm, Porchfield, from 29–31 May 2026, with its first wave of artists now confirmed. This year's early announcement features Dub Pistols, Jaguar Skills, The Undercover Hippy, Born ina Barn, Fellowship of…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Aston Martin on Sunday 23 August 2026.
All Aston Martin owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both Aston Martin owners and…
Cycling
Islandwide
The Isle of Wight Randonnee is a non-competitive cycle ride established by the Wayfarers in 1985.
Carnival
Ventnor
Ventnor Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in with the carnival fun of Ventnor's Illuminated procession!
Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.
Exhibitions
Fareham
Step into wedding planning bliss at voco Fareham-Solent and immerse yourself in all things weddings. We can't wait to welcome you!
Step into wedding planning bliss — we have recently undergone a breath taking refurbishment! Whether you're newly…
Sporting Events
Freshwater
Explore our island through running Dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves, a stately home, a world famous pop festival site… the Isle of Wight Festival of Running boasts an unparalleled location!
Full programme of running events The Isle of Wight…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday May 8
6:30pm
Fine dining takes flight at this special evening, where the Hawk Conservancy Trust's Head Chef will be serving a sumptuous five-course meal with an exclusive wine-paring menu provided by Elegant Wines!
Join the Trust for an…
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Explore the science of sound by investigating how different instruments create vibrations and how those vibrations travel through air, water and solid materials, just like they do at sea.
Families will experiment with a range of instruments to see,…
Arts
Admirals Quay, Ocean Way,, Southampton
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Monday 21 December
Food available from 4:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a special evening to get you in the Christmas spirit! Sing along with Christmas carols, both…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Beaulieu Bikers' Day on Saturday 6 June 2026.
No matter what the age, make or model of your motorbike, the Beaulieu Bikers' Day is open to all. So pull on your leathers and ride into Beaulieu for a great…
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
